Free agency focus: What to do with RT Jordan Mills

Unrestricted free agency opens in the NFL with the start of the new league year on March 9. With 22 players set to hit the open market, the Buffalo Bills have plenty of decisions to make between now and then. The Buffalo News will take a look at each player with an expiring contract, and offer a verdict on what the team should do. Next: Chris Gragg.

Position: Right tackle. Age: 26. 2016 stats: 16 games, 16 starts.

Working in his favor: Mills is young and experienced, with 50 career starts in four years. He was part of an offensive line that helped the Bills lead the NFL in rushing in back-to-back years. What was supposed to be a three-man competition between Mills, Seantrel Henderson and Cyrus Kouandjio for the position never materialized – Mills took the job in training camp and held onto it all season.

Working against him: He appeared on his way to losing the job midway through the season after Henderson returned from suspension and got into playing shape. During a Week 11 win at Cincinnati, Henderson played more than Mills, but a short time after that was suspended again, so the job went back to Mills by default. The website Pro Football Focus charged him allowing nine sacks, six quarterback hits and 44 additional hurries.

Verdict: One of Mills' biggest supporters was Aaron Kromer, the team's former offensive line coach who is now with the L.A. Rams. While it's unclear what the new coaching staff, including offensive line coach Juan Castillo, thinks about Mills, it wouldn't be a surprise to see the team try and upgrade at the position. If Mills is willing to come back on a cheap, one-year contract, he would provide solid depth up front. If he's looking for a longer deal with starting money, however, it's time for him to move on.